Pete Alonso is waiting for an offer from the Mets as his free agent chess game begins
Both David Stearns and Scott Boras spoke about the options which lie ahead for the Mets and their star slugger
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What’s Up with the Mets? 🍎
Scott Boras - who now represents Pete Alonso, told reporters his client is very much open to a contract extension before he hits free agency after the 2024 season (New York Post)
David Stearns said on MLB Network he expects to talk about such an extension with Boras for Alonso this winter
David Peterson recently underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum in his hip. His expected timetable for recovery is 6-7 months
Joey Cora is leaving the Mets coaching staff for Detroit to become the Tigers third base coach (MLB.com)
Pete. Morgan. Alonso. The chess game begins… ✍️
The long-awaited Pete Alonso contract saga has begun.
At the GM Meetings in Scottsdale, Arizona, Scott Boras - Alonso’s new agent - said he and his client are more than willing to consider a contract offer this winter, a full season before Alonso will hit the free agent market.
“We just kind of let [David Stearns] know when it comes to the Polar Bear we’re not in contract hibernation,” Boras said.
Stearns, in an appearance on MLB Network, acknowledged the club would engage Boras on a new contract for Alonso, and while he would not predict a positive or negative outcome, remained confident that, at a minimum, Alonso will be on the opening day roster in 2024.
I’ll just say I expect Pete to be the Opening Day first baseman next year," Stearns explained.
So, the chess pieces are on the board.
The one important piece Boras moved first was one that indicated where his client stood with the Mets. As part of one of the many diatribes Boras will have this winter about Alonso and his other major free agents, he indicated Alonso wants to at least see how the Mets value him both in the short and long-term, and give them an opportunity to make what he considers a fair proposal, presumably before opening day.
“Pete has directed me to listen to what they have to say and we’ll go from there,” Boras said.
Now, that could mean nothing. It could mean everything. I just find it so unusual for Boras to even consider a contract extension in a player’s walk year, let alone discuss a client’s specific ask with the media.
But honesty and transparency is the best policy, and this should at least provide those who are already chewing at their cuticles over Alonso’s free agency a little bit of comfort that at a minimum, the player wants to stay, wants to listen and wants to work something out with the Mets.
On the other hand, it also creates a good guy/bad guy thing in case this doesn’t work out and Alonso shuts down negotiations. Boras and Alonso could easily say, hey, we were open from the beginning to a new contract, and what they offered wasn’t competitive,’ thus painting the Mets as the bad guy.
Ah, the fascinating game of free agent chess. And, the player isn’t even a free agent.
There’s a wide ranging belief the Mets will end up trading Alonso if not this winter, then certainly by next summer if a contract cannot be agreed upon. Personally, I don’t believe the Mets are going to Port St. Lucie in February without Alonso - I don’t think they can.
Of course, I’ve been wrong before. After all, I really didn't think they’d trade Max Scherzer when they did. I also didn’t think they’d trade Justin Verlander when they did.
Or, completely alter course midstream after setting a new bar in excessive payroll spending.
So, what do I know.
Well, I do know that Alonso will get his big payday. I am also pretty sure that, like most every free agent contract goes, his better days will be on the front side of that contract. I also know that he is the most prolific power hitter the game has had since 2019 and indisputably the most prolific power hitter the Mets have ever had. He’s a guy who, if we aren’t paying attention at the time, pick up our heads when we hear his name over the public address or television.
He is must-see TV.
And no matter what, this is the Mets King on the chess board. He cannot be taken.
Hot Stove 🔥
The Dodgers are showing early interest in Teoscar Hernandez (LA Times)
Bryce Harper will be the everyday first baseman for the Phillies going forward (Washington Post)
The Phillies are among the clubs showing early interest in Sonny Gray (MLB Network)
Ron Washington is leaving the Braves coaching staff to become the Angels new manager (New York Post)
First off, I hope you are feeling better Michael.
I don't think Pete is going anywhere. There will be the usual Boras back and forth where he will say the initial contract offer is way below his value, blah, blah, blah. We have seen it all before.
Mets cannot replace a 40+, HR hitter or a 100+ RBI producer. I would love to see this Batting Average be at least in the .260 - .275 range which will make him that much more fearful to opposing pitchers.
The only fear I have is that Boras will engage the Yankees or at least float that to the media to drive up the value of the contract. He'd be stupid not to and the Yankees aren't exactly enamored with Rizzo.
In the end, I think he knows he belongs in a Mets uniform.
LGM